Jeff Hardy is one interesting dude. There really isn’t another way to put it. He’s a modern-day renaissance man: world-champion wrestler, painter, musician, husband, father. His life has played out better than any Hollywood script ever written. He’s gone from on top of the wrestling world to behind bars only to resurrect his career and rise like a Phoenix from the ashes.

He seems happy now. Perhaps that’s because his life is full. As a wrestler, he and his brother Matt Hardy are on the cusp of revolutionizing pro wrestling. They are redefining boundaries and taking creativity to new heights with the Deletion series in TNA Impact Wrestling. And he promises that there is more to come. In fact, the segments have been such a hit that the company green lit a full two-hour show for the series. Total Nonstop Deletion airs December 15, and Hardy promises it will be the “funnest wrestling show ever.” The show also afforded him the opportunity to work with the legendary Rock ‘n’ Roll Express, whom he’s admired for years. And he’s hinting that we could see more of Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson in the future.

He’s working for a company that appreciates his imagination and gives his group the creative liberties to usher in a new era in wrestling. And although his contract expires at the end of February, he says he wants to stay. Sorry, WWE fans. But can you honestly imagine seeing something like The Final Deletion on Monday Night RAW? Of course not. And creativity is paramount in his life.

His loyalty to the brand is strong despite the public turmoil between investor/Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan and the company and its former owner, Dixie Carter. He considers both to be his friend, which puts him in the unfortunate position of being in the middle. Hardy, along with the bulk of the TNA roster, are being kept in the dark about a lot of the goings-on. The former WWE Champion is okay with that though. He says he doesn’t need to know everything.

Besides, he doesn’t have time for all that drama. His plate is too full for that mess. He has a family at home, he sells his own artwork, and most recently he’s been in the studio working on his solo debut, Spawn of Me. The six-song release is reminiscent of what rock radio used to be. The rich sound and vocals blow so much of today’s homogenized garbage right out of the water. Music has helped shape Hardy’s life, and he boasts of being influenced by everyone from NWA to Lil Wayne to Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Chuck D, Randy Travis, Johnny Cash and Vanilla Ice. Yes, Vanilla Ice.

The album is deep and takes listeners on a journey through his mind’s inner-workings. The title track is inspired by to his two daughters. The lyrics flowed through his mind and onto paper shortly after his daughter was born last New Year’s Eve. But the track that most wrestling fans will relate to is “Irreversible,” an opus to his dark fear of developing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, known better as CTE. It’s the potentially fatal disorder caused by repeated head trauma.

Hardy has been diagnosed with no more than three concussions during his career, but fears he’s suffered far more than that.

“It’s so scary what it can do to you in the long run,” he said.

He fears even the simplest of bumps in the ring can cause irreversible damage and the uncontrollable depression that strikes many who have the disorder. Many are unable to cope with diving into a dark mental state and end their own lives. Hardy says that happened to his hero, Junior Seau, who he calls the “linebacker of all linebackers.” Also not lost on him is the recent retirement of Daniel Bryan whom he has a great deal of sympathy for. But what scares him the most is not knowing whether he has CTE until it’s too late. And that’s the crux of the song — irreversible damage.

For now, Hardy says he doesn’t have any of the symptoms commonly associated with CTE and has no suicidal thoughts. In fact, he says the only depression he’s ever experienced was while he was battling a Vicodin addiction. Today, he’s clearheaded and views his drug-related arrest in a positive manner. “It’s better to get arrested than to die,” he said.

Hardy is also self-distributing the album on his website. He is planning on releasing all of his music in that fashion in the future, including his band Peroxygen’s third album. Hardy is targeting an early 2017 release for that and possibly touring later in the year. He’s talking about having a concert in Nashville next March when he’ll also be in town to wrestle. If all goes well, there’s a good chance we’ll see more of Hardy on a different kind of stage in the future.

We spoke at length about the album, the ebbs and flows of his life as well as his future in the wrestling business. You can listen to the entire interview here.

I hear some 90s rock in there. What were your influences in putting Spawn of Me together?

I’m really not sure. I’m just a huge alternative rock fan, but I love country music. I grew up around it. My dad is a great guitar player. He’s straight up country. So, if he hears anything I do he’s like, “you ain’t never gonna make a dime off of that.” My influences range between Eddie Vedder, Lil Wayne, Chuck D, NWA, Johnny Cash, Randy Travis. I love it all, man.

A lot of time there is a personal emotional meaning behind the songs. Which one did you have the deepest connection to?

The song “Spawn of Me” started back in 2010 when my daughter was born. I wrote a song for her called “Ruby.” But when my second daughter was born last New Year’s Eve, I totally rewrote it and made it about both of them. And it also mentions my guitar player’s daughter. The song is dedicated to them.

Another song on there that is very powerful and very serious is called “Irreversible.” It is about my fear of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). It’s crazy in the NFL they take it so seriously because you have to. It’s so scary what it can do to you in the long run. And with me being a pro wrestler I’ve had my share. Diagnosed concussions only about two or three, but I’m sure there’s been a lot more. It’s as simple as simple can be. If I do a little flat bump and I hit my head really hard, there’s like a strange vibration, and I’m like “Oh my God, did I just have a concussion?” And a lot of times it’s like a déjà vu sensation like I’ve been there before. Luckily it hasn’t happened in about six months. But you can only be so careful.

Thank God they’ve eliminated things like chair shots to the head, because that was just ridiculous. When we first started, everybody was taking chair shots to the head.

The song also talks about suicidal thoughts. They haven’t gotten to me yet. Basically, it’s about my fear about developing CTE, and I think you can only get tested for that when you’re dead. But I feel really good.

When you see someone like Daniel Bryan retiring or Chris Borland with the 49ers walking away after one year because of concussions, does that strike more of a chord with you?

I mainly think of Junior Seau. I used to be a huge Chargers fan. He was the linebacker of all linebackers, and when I heard what happened to him, it was so sad. With Daniel Bryan … when you see how much he loves pro wrestling and now is depressed about it, it’s sad. It breaks my heart, and at the same time it scares me, because I know I could be in the same boat at any time in the future.

Have you noticed any mood changes since you were diagnosed with concussion?

My biggest run-in with depression was in 2009. I was addicted to Vicodin. I ended up getting in trouble because I had way too many. I got arrested. But you know what? All that’s over. I’m six years clean now. I think shortly after I got clean I felt really good… I’m so clear-headed now… Luckily, I’ve never had to be on depression medication or anything like that. I’ve been able to get by. And now with the second daughter that just makes me stronger. But going back to addiction, it’s better to get arrested than die. That’s the way I look at it.

Talk to me about the process of putting this together. When did it start and how long did it take?

It started after my daughter was born when I wrote “Spawn of Me.” … Then Dale Oliver from TNA Impact Wrestling would just send me tracks that he had laying around, and I would write to them. Probably over the course of six months we developed these songs. … Then I went out to his house and recorded six songs in two days. The hardest one was “Equivalent,” because the verses are really fast and it was hard to breathe. That one speaks about being down on myself.

(Another) one of my favorites was the last one we recorded which is called “Oblivious.”

Why did you feel it was time to break away and do a solo release?

My deal with TNA was that I wanted to be there if they let me do a new theme song every year for Bound for Glory. I knew that nobody had ever done that or will ever do that, because the songs become so catchy. And when it hits, people know who’s coming. But that was one thing I wanted to do. So going back to 2010, when I returned to TNA, we started that. … I actually wrote a song called “Obsolete” that my brother and I would come out to before he delved into his broken brilliance. Now, his wife plays piano beautifully, and she actually did a slow version of “Obsolete” mixed with Matt’s intro music. We’ve actually done some live entrances before. While she’s playing the piano, I’ll sing the two lines and we walk to the ring. That’s super cool, and it’s made me more ready to perform, get out on the stage and start singing some songs.

You’ve been doing some really creative stuff in TNA Impact Wrestling Series with the Deletion series. You’ve just filmed Total Non-Stop Deletion at the Hardy compound in North Carolina. Could you see yourself getting that kind of creative freedom in another promotion?

It all began with The Final Deletion. … We did some amazing stuff there… And now we did Apocolypto, which will be Total Nonstop Deletion. That was filmed on our property, and it’s going to be the funnest wrestling show ever. I can guarantee that, because we did some wild stuff. It’s one not to be missed for sure. I don’t think we would get that creative liberty anywhere else, but I could be wrong.

As far as I’m concerned, right now, I want to stay with something new and fresh instead of going back to something old that I’ve already been to and done a lot for and with. I don’t think we can go wrong with staying at TNA and seeing where it goes in the future. Hopefully make it the best company that it can be.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Express is in Apocalpyto, true or false?

True. That was incredible. I love those guys. We’ve known them for years and I’ve always wanted that dream match. And you’ll get a little taste of it. It’s still not the dream match that will ultimately happen in the near future, but you’ll get a little taste of us wrestling out in the 28-degree weather. What happens to Ricky Morton is just incredible. It’s just incredible. You have to see it.

What other surprises are in store? Who else is on there?

Rock ‘N’ Roll were the biggest. There’s these guys, The Bravados, they’re local, and they’re great. They pop up. Itchweed, my comical alter ego, has in-ring wrestling debut, and its pretty nuts. I don’t know how it’s going to turn out because I haven’t seen it. It felt very weird doing it, wrestling as a comical character. I think it’s going to be funny and show another side of me and hopefully another talent of mine. Naturally, you’re going to get all your Jeff Hardy stuff and Matt Hardy stuff in full effect.

There have been a ton of changes and a very public courtroom battle at TNA recently. Some reports say talents are being kept in the dark about a lot of things. What has this experience been like for you?

It’s very strange. Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins is a good friend of mine, and he loves pro wrestling. I understood that he was a huge investor, but evidently he’s out now however that happened. They still haven’t told us everything. There’s some new management coming in. They’re paying people and taking care of things. I’m not sure what’s going to happen or where it’s going to go. I’m just going to have faith in the company. Especially if they build the show around myself and Matt. I don’t think they can go wrong with that.

For them to trust us to just go out there and do what we do … I can’t complain with that. I love that.

Have you spoken with the new management about the creative liberties you’ve been given?

No, I haven’t. But we’re on the verge negotiation now. We’re supposed to meet with somebody before the end of the year. We should know something soon. We’re supposed to meet with the new higher-ups pretty soon, and we’ll go from there. Hopefully we’ll work out a great deal and stick around for a while and keep trying to be original and make TNA the best it can be.

When does your current contract expire?

February 28th. I think Matt’s is around the same time.

How would you categorize your relationship with Dixie Carter?

I love Dixie. She’s always been super good to me. When we worked out our deal in 2012, she was kind and generous. She took care of me. She’s always been great to me. I know there are certain things they can’t say. I don’t expect them to tell us everything. I’m just happy to be getting paid and have a good job and be able to support my family. I have no complaints about Dixie.

Has anyone else in the locker room approached you about doing their theme?

No, actually! The closest thing to that would be Jeff Jarrett, we’re very good friends, and he runs Global Force Wrestling. One of his guys uses a song off our last band album called “Obtuse.” I was honored by that. Jeff heard it and said I had gotten a lot better and asked if he could use it for one of his guys. I said of course. Hell yeah, of course!

I actually went to a show before I was able to wrestle because my leg was still hurting. I did a little interview, and I was able to see the guy come out to my song. That was really cool.

Chuck Carroll is former pro wrestling announcer and referee turned sports media personality. He once appeared on Monday Night RAW when he presented Robert Griffin III with a WWE title belt in the Redskins locker room.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/09/jeff-hardy-opens-up-about-tna-wrestling-concussion-fears-new-album/feed/0Keidel: Buccaneers Winning… For Nowhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/09/keidel-buccaneers-winning-for-now/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/09/keidel-buccaneers-winning-for-now/#respondFri, 09 Dec 2016 15:51:49 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177750The Buccaneers may be the NFL's most overlooked playoff contender, and not without reason. Can they change perceptions?]]>By Jason Keidel

When pondering the NFL’s most essential teams, Tampa Bay is rarely high on the list.

Yet they’ve had odd growth spurts since entering the league in 1976. The Bucs lost their first 26 games but made the NFC title game in 1979.

Fast forward 20 years, when Tony Dungy slowly built them into a behemoth. While Dungy didn’t get a chance to feast on the fruits of his labor, Jon Gruden led the Buccaneers to their lone Super Bowl title in 2002.

But between ascents, they’ve been one of the more forlorn franchises in the sport. The Bucs have had 11 coaches in club history, and only two have winning records (Dungy and Gruden). Maybe that’s about to change.

Fast forward another 15 years. What are the Buccaneers? Are they a team on the come, with an all-world wideout and a young franchise quarterback? Are they the team that’s won four straight games, and only getting better? Or are they a mediocre, 7-5 team stuck in the muck of pretenders?

During their four-game tear, Tampa Bay has had some rather impressive victories, including one against perennial Super Bowl contender Seattle Seahawks and two surprising road wins at Kansas City and San Diego. (The Chiefs and Seahawks entered this week a combined 17-6-1.)

Still, they have a conflicted resume. Tampa Bay is one of two teams over .500 that has scored fewer points than they’ve allowed. (Miami is the other.)

The Buccaneers have surrendered a woeful 366 yards per game, 22nd in the NFL. That includes a troubling 116.1 yards on the ground, which ranks 25th. As teams play a more conservative brand of ball later in the season, Tampa Bay will have to plug those chasms in their run defense if they even want to reach the playoffs, much less advance.

But, as with all teams, the Bucs will ride as far as their quarterback’s arm will take them. Which means Tampa Bay is tethered to Jameis Winston, the charismatic quarterback who oozes a contagious spunk that has the locals believing. Winston is 11th in yardage (3,180) and eighth in touchdowns (23). But he has yet to cement himself as a consistent high-end performer, evidenced by his completion percentage (61. 7), which is 23rd, and his passer rating (90.0), which is 20th. Winston has also thrown 12 interceptions, tied for fifth most in the league.

It would help if Tampa had a rugged running game to nurse Winston during his football maturation. But Pro Bowl RB Doug Martin has had trouble staying healthy, playing in just five of the team’s 12 games, with just 313 total yards and two touchdowns. Quite a contrast from 2015, when he bulldozed the sport. Last year Martin played in all 16 games, averaged nearly five yards per carry (4.9) and rushed for 1,402 yards. Without Martin in the lineup the bulk of the season, Tampa Bay’s running game has sagged to 17th in the league, with just 104.9 yards per game.

Perhaps no playoff contender has been more overlooked than Tampa Bay. Part of that is their solemn history. Part of that is their lack of a transcendent player, or at least not one who we’ve noticed. It’s clear that WR Mike Evans is quickly asserting himself as a great player. Lavonte David is one of the game’s preeminent linebackers, but with highlights largely reserved for touchdown dances, you’ve likely not heard of him. They also aren’t a flagship franchise, nor do they play in a media hub, like New York City or Chicago.

But winning is the best billboard for any franchise. With the Atlanta Falcons slipping back to the pack, the Buccaneers are tied for first place in the NFC South. Three of their final four games are against division foes, so their path to the playoffs is entirely in their hands. And it starts this weekend, at home, against the New Orleans Saints.

Jason writes a weekly column for CBS Local Sports. He is a native New Yorker, sans the elitist sensibilities, and believes there’s a world west of the Hudson River. A Yankees devotee and Steelers groupie, he has been scouring the forest of fertile NYC sports sections since the 1970s. He has written over 500 columns for WFAN/CBS NY, and also worked as a freelance writer for Sports Illustrated and Newsday subsidiary amNew York. He made his bones as a boxing writer, occasionally covering fights in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, but mostly inside Madison Square Garden. Follow him on Twitter @JasonKeidel.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/09/keidel-buccaneers-winning-for-now/feed/016 (Affordable) Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your Listhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/16-affordable-gift-ideas-for-everyone-on-your-list/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/16-affordable-gift-ideas-for-everyone-on-your-list/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:26:43 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177741I have provided you with 16 gift ideas for every type of person in your life AND they are all under $60! ]]>Do I hear the faint ding-a-ling of jingle bells in the distance? Why, yes I do! That must mean the holiday season is upon us!

This festive time of year is full of joy, family and food… but let’s face it, it can be pretty stressful. Our minds are swirling with confusion; there is so much to plan and so much shopping to do! Although I can’t help you with the cooking, wrapping or preparing for the in-laws, I can help you with your shopping. Below, I have provided you with 16 gift ideas for every type of person in your life AND they are all under $60! Take a look↓↓

For the Techie

iDevices iGrill Mini | Available here for $24.39. For the techie/grill-master, this Bluetooth thermometer works with your smart phone to keep you and your meat at the right temperature.

Credit: amazon.com

Tego PowerGrid | Available here for $59. Allows you to charge TWO devices simultaneously while on the go. And it comes in four, stylish colors.

Credit: tegopower.com

In Charge With Marble Print Phone Power Bank | Available here for $20. Charge your phone in style!

Plated Subscription | Available here, starting at $30. Plated delivers everything you need for a beautiful meal right to your door.

Credit: plated.com

BONUS

A Free Gift | Not in the mood to shop? Watch CW44 all holiday season for your chance to win a variety of prizes. Go to our contest page for more info.

Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Vanessa Rao | CW44 Tampa Bay

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/16-affordable-gift-ideas-for-everyone-on-your-list/feed/0Charges Possible Over Video Of Black Student Eating Chickenhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/charges-possible-over-video-of-black-student-eating-chicken/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/charges-possible-over-video-of-black-student-eating-chicken/#commentsThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:20:05 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177712A teenager accused of producing a racist video of a black classmate eating chicken and posting it online could face criminal charges, a prosecutor said Wednesday.]]>EASTON, Pa. (AP) – A teenager accused of producing a racist video of a black classmate eating chicken and posting it online could face criminal charges, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said he’s considering ethnic intimidation and harassment charges against a 14-year-old white student at Saucon Valley High School.

The teenager recorded a 16-year-old black boy eating chicken wings and in narrating the video called the older boy the N-word and made references to “being broke and on welfare,” said Morganelli, who called the video “reprehensible” and “repulsive.”

After seeing the video on social media, the black student attacked the white student at a football game, Morganelli said. Lower Saucon police charged the black student with assault and other offenses; the charges are pending in juvenile court.

Morganelli opened the probe on Wednesday after an attorney for the black student showed him the video.

The Saucon Valley School District investigated the incident and “handled it very appropriately,” schools Superintendent Monica McHale-Small told The Morning Call newspaper of Allentown. She called the white student’s behavior “incredibly vile.”

The students’ names haven’t been released.

Last month, parents and students told the Saucon Valley School Board about several other racist incidents. One student said she was asked if she was drinking from the right water fountain and then was told the fountain was only for whites, the newspaper reported.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/charges-possible-over-video-of-black-student-eating-chicken/feed/1Study Finds And Quantifies Pokemon GO’s Positive Fitness Benefitshttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/study-pokemon-go-fitness/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/study-pokemon-go-fitness/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:19:41 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177710A recent study has quantified Pokemon GO's positive impact in how many extra steps it's caused American's to take. ]]>CBS Local – Other than the designed function for Pokemon GO of literally playing the fun game, there are peripheral benefits to playing. The real life movement has users traversing distance and staying active without being aware that it’s congruent with an active lifestyle.

Outside of the loud minority of those racking up real life injuries due to being negligent of everything outside of the screen, Pokemon GO has gotten more people out and about more successfully than any other video game has. Now there’s a study to back it up.

A study in the Journal of Medical Internet Research has found that because of the game, Americans took 144 billion more steps in the first month succeeding the game’s release. 144 billion is, in the highest of scientific terms, very, very, very many steps.

Since then, though, the fad has flared out a bit. When it first hit the market this summer, it seemed everyone hopped on the bandwagon. Not long after that first month is when the average person moved onto the next thing.

Those who have continued to play it obviously continue to benefit from the excess physical activity that they wouldn’t get from watching TV or playing other games.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/study-pokemon-go-fitness/feed/0Hand, Foot, & Mouth Disease is on the Risehttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/hand-foot-mouth-disease-is-on-the-rise/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/hand-foot-mouth-disease-is-on-the-rise/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:18:32 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177708Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD, is a contagious illness that is caused by different viruses.
]]>Hand, foot, and mouth disease, or HFMD, is a contagious illness that is caused by different viruses.

It’s common in infants and children younger than 5 years old, because they do not yet have immunity (protection) to the viruses that cause HFMD. However, older children and adults can also get HFMD. In the United States it is more common for people to get HFMD during spring, summer, and fall.

What Are the Symptoms of HFMD? Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease often include the following:

Fever

Reduced appetite

Sore throat

A feeling of being unwell

Painful sores in the mouth that usually begin as flat red spots

A rash of flat red spots that may blister on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the knees, elbows, buttocks, and/or genital area.

There is no vaccine to protect against HFMD. However, you can reduce the risk of getting infected with the viruses that cause HFMD by following a simple rule: wash your hands! Read More

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/hand-foot-mouth-disease-is-on-the-rise/feed/0Ohio Passed Extreme Anti-Abortion Billhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/ohio-passed-extreme-anti-abortion-bill/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/ohio-passed-extreme-anti-abortion-bill/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:16:27 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177703Ohio passed an anti-abortion law that bans a woman from getting an abortion after 6 weeks.
]]>Ohio passed an anti-abortion law that bans a woman from getting an abortion after 6 weeks.

The issue many are bringing up is most women don’t know they’re pregnant until it has been at least four weeks. You can’t even set your first appointment until the 8th week. The Ohio bill would also ban rape and incest victims from abortion.

If signed into law by governor John Katich, the bill could offer eager conservative activists their greatest opportunity in years to overturn the controversial 1973 Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade that guaranteed a woman’s “right to choose.” Read more

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/ohio-passed-extreme-anti-abortion-bill/feed/0Sia Separates from Her Husbandhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/sia-separates-from-her-husband/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/sia-separates-from-her-husband/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:12:54 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177700After a two year marriage, singer/songwriter Sia and her husband Erik Anders Lang are separating.]]>After a two-year marriage, singer/songwriter Sia and her husband Erik Anders Lang are separating.

“After much soul searching and consideration we have made the decision to separate as a couple,” the pair said in a statement to E! News. “We are, however, dedicated to remaining friends. There will be no further comment.” We can only wish Sia good luck in the future. You hate to hear things like this happen in Hollywood and it seems even worse when it is right before the holidays.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/sia-separates-from-her-husband/feed/0Cavs Got Bored with Knicks, So They Flipped Bottleshttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/cavs-got-bored-with-knicks-so-they-flipped-bottles/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/cavs-got-bored-with-knicks-so-they-flipped-bottles/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:09:13 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177694The Knicks essentially failed to show up for their game against the Cavs, so LeBron, Kyrie and the guys had to find alternative ways to entertain themselves at Madison Square Garden.]]>The Knicks essentially failed to show up for their game against the Cavs, so LeBron, Kyrie and the guys had to find alternative ways to entertain themselves at Madison Square Garden. Enter the water bottle challenge. When you beat a team that bad it is only right to find a new way to entertain yourself.

Getting the bottle to stand up is the hardest challenge the Cavs had last night.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/cavs-got-bored-with-knicks-so-they-flipped-bottles/feed/0Giraffes Could Become Extincthttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/giraffes-could-become-extinct/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/giraffes-could-become-extinct/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:04:25 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177696A report by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that giraffes could face a "silent" extinction due to climate change and deforestation.]]>A report by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned that giraffes could face a “silent” extinction due to climate change and deforestation. Africa’s wild giraffe population has plunged dramatically – falling 40% in 30 years

The rapid growth of human populations has seen the expansion of farming and other forms of development that has resulted in the fragmentation of the giraffe’s range in many parts of Africa. But civil unrest in parts of the continent has also taken its toll. Read More

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/giraffes-could-become-extinct/feed/0100’s of Vets Apologize to Native Americanshttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/100s-of-vets-apologize-to-native-americans/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/100s-of-vets-apologize-to-native-americans/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 21:02:28 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177692"We’ve come to say that we are sorry, we are at your service." In an amazing display of humanity and reconciliation, U.S. military veterans that came to Standing Rock as part of "Vets for Standing Rock" movement, led by Wes Clark Jr., stunned tribal members when they gathered, took a knee, and asked for forgiveness for the genocide and war crimes committed by the United States military against Native American tribes.]]>“We’ve come to say that we are sorry, we are at your service.” In an amazing display of humanity and reconciliation, U.S. military veterans that came to Standing Rock as part of “Vets for Standing Rock” movement, led by Wes Clark Jr., stunned tribal members when they gathered, took a knee, and asked for forgiveness for the genocide and war crimes committed by the United States military against Native American tribes.

This video from Salon shows veterans at the Oceti Sakowin protest camp joining tribal elders in a ceremony celebrating the government’s refusal to grant an easement to the Energy Transfer Partners corporations, which ostensibly will put a stop to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Read More

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/100s-of-vets-apologize-to-native-americans/feed/0Kim and Kanye Aren’t Getting a Divorcehttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/kim-and-kanye-arent-getting-a-divorce/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/kim-and-kanye-arent-getting-a-divorce/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 20:08:37 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177689After rumors circulated that Hollywood's leading couple was heading towards a break, an insider close to the Kardashian-West duo said, "This is just not true."]]>After rumors circulated that Hollywood’s leading couple was heading towards a break, an insider close to the Kardashian-West duo said, “This is just not true.” This is what happens when blogs rush to conclusions for likes. Sometimes people go through things, and right now, Kanye is having his moment.

Since he’s been home, Kanye’s been getting much needed rest and spending time with his kids. He’s recovered enough to start working again, but still not overwhelming himself with big projects. Read more

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/kim-and-kanye-arent-getting-a-divorce/feed/0NFL Picks Week 14: Giants End Cowboys’ Streak And Chiefs Seize Control Of AFC Westhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/nfl-picks-week-14-giants-end-cowboys-streak-and-chiefs-seize-control-of-afc-west/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/nfl-picks-week-14-giants-end-cowboys-streak-and-chiefs-seize-control-of-afc-west/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 18:40:22 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177716There are just four weeks left in the NFL's regular season and the importance of each game is compounded by the fact that time is of the essence.]]>Bryan Altman

I picked the Jets, and it cost me a winning record last week.

I should probably be forced to wear a scarlet ‘J’ on my chest for the rest of the NFL season.

I’m ashamed, and I let you down.

And as much as I’d like to spend the next few paragraphs or so complaining about the Jets and their impressive track record of sustained ineptitude, the show must go on. There are actually some great NFL teams and matchups to discuss, so let’s get to it.

There are just four weeks left in the NFL’s regular season and the importance of each game is obviously compounded by the fact that time is of the essence.

For a swath of teams with records anywhere between 8-4 and 6-6, the playoffs are still within arms reach and the next four weeks are essentially filled with playoff games for them.

Division leaders and teams with better records are still fighting for their division crown and of course for the coveted No. 1 and 2 seeds and a first-round bye. Two such teams will square off on Thursday night, getting Week 14 started right with what’s arguably not just the game of the week, but the game of the year.

No way we can lose – locks of the week: As you can guess, these will be the stone-cold locks of the week. The games that I’m so confident about that I’d put my life’s savings on them if I had a life’s savings to wager.

Feeling pretty… pretty good: Not quite willing to bet the farm on this batch, but as Mr. Larry David would say, I’m feeling pretty… pretty good about these games.

Heads or Tails: These are your true toss ups: they can go one way or another and you should pick with caution even after heeding my expert advice.

Seriously, I have no idea how this one is going to play out. Don’t look at me like that… you have no idea either. And I don’t care what any analyst says on the matter, nobody knows what’s going to happen in Kansas City on Thursday night.

Both the Raiders and Chiefs have been playing stellar football this year and you know they’re both going to be ready to go for this one.

And while it’s great that this game gets the primetime treatment it deserves, it’s a shame we have to watch these two go at it on short rest.

Still, this should be a highly entertaining, tightly-contested game for 60 minutes, but I’m going with the Chiefs to get the job done and cover the three-point spread.

The Chiefs did a number on Derek Carr and the Raiders when these teams met Week 6 IN Oakland, which has to count for something. On top of that, the Chiefs are super, super steady while Oakland has a bit more volatility to their style of play and the way they win games. I don’t think that bodes well for them against a team as fundamentally sound as the Chiefs, which is why I’m going with KC.

No Way We Can Lose — Locks Of The Week

Right now, Gus Bradley is like an action hero that has taken a barrage of bullets to the chest and somehow, inexplicably, keeps going. I’m not exactly a confidant of Jaguars owner Shad Khan, but my educated guess is Bradley won’t be back for yet another sequel.

Speaking of cast members that won’t be back, Blake Bortles has probably been the worst starting QB in the NFL this season. I’m not sure what happened to the 24-year-old youngster with as much promise as any young QB in the league heading into 2016, but that’s long gone.

What I’m trying to say is, Jaguars lose, Vikings win, because the Jags are a mess.

While a part of me is inclined to take the Browns against a division rival they’ve played close in the past, I’m not taking the bait here. The Bengals were hard-luck losers in their three games before they finally got off the schneid last week against the Eagles and I think they carry that momentum with them into Cleveland.

Sure, misery loves company, and the chance to put another ‘L’ on a hated rival might get the Browns’ motor running, but I don’t think they have what it takes to beat Cincy, whether A.J. Green suits up or not.

The Cardinals have had a bizarre season to say the very least. At times they’ve looked like the Super Bowl contenders many thought they’d be at the beginning of the year and at others they’ve looked lost, listless and over-matched.

Now, at 5-6-1, they still have a glimmer of hope at a playoff berth, but only if they run the table the rest of the way.

They’ll have to do it primarily on the road as three of their last four take them away from the friendly confines of University of Phoenix stadium.

The Dolphins also have a shot at making it to the postseason but will likely need to win out as well to emerge with a No. 5 or 6 seed in a crowded AFC Wild Card picture. Their 38-6 loss to the Ravens was stunning, but was also slightly revealing as Miami only beat one team above .500 during their six-game win streak.

I think they struggle again and the Cardinals keep their remote hopes alive for at least another week.

The Rams have just gotten the doors blown off of them by teams cut from the exact same cloth as the Falcons the last two weeks in a row. The Falcons lost in one of the most brutal ways imaginable last week and will be, as we say, out for blood.

Plus, good god is Jeff Fisher a mess. I’m going to do the opposite of what the Rams just did and avoid putting my money on him at all costs.

Falcons win easily.

Feeling Pretty… Pretty Good

(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

(6-6) Houston Texans @ (6-6) Indianapolis Colts (-6)

ATS/Straight Up – Colts

The teams comprising the AFC South are avoiding taking the division crown like it’s half-off, two-day-old sushi at the supermarket.

Things are that bad.

But either way, when this debacle is over, one of these teams will have a 7-6 record (barring another tie) and will be one step closer to being eliminated in the Wild Card rou… uh, I mean, winning the AFC South title.

I think the Colts get the job done. If there’s one thing the Jets are good at, it’s giving their opponents a confidence boost, so I’m sure with their newly-discovered swagger the Colts can dispatch another sub-par quarterback by a large margin.

The Broncos have not been impressive of late and their trouble spot all year has been stopping the run. I don’t want to over-simplify this too much, but, the Titans run the ball really well.

Trevor Siemian’s return to the lineup definitely helps the Broncos as Paxton Lynch hasn’t looked NFL ready in any of his regular season action this year, but I like Tennessee to control the clock and do enough defensively to get a big ‘W’ and keep them in the playoff hunt.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

(3-9) Chicago Bears @ (8-4) Detroit Lions (-8) – Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET

ATS – Bears

Straight Up – Lions

The only thing fan bases of teams with abysmal records want is a glimpse, however small, of a potentially brighter future. Matt Barkley has four games left to continue to provide that glimmer of hope to Bears fans and this would be a heck of a time to do it.

I feel like a broken record I’ve said this so many times, but the Lions play close games almost every week. I think a division matchup here is no exception. Lions win by a TD.

This is a whole lot of points to be giving a 7-5 division-leading team with the best defense in the NFL. I get it, it’s the Patriots, they command that kind of respect, but I think the Gronk-less Patriots will struggle here.

Ravens pull the upset over the Patriots and expand their AFC North lead in the process, let’s say on a last-second Justin Tucker field goal.

Heads or Tails

Had the Bills held on in Oakland, it would have put them on a path towards a possible playoff berth with a 7-5 record and three winnable games to close out their year against the Dolphins, Browns and Jets.

Now, at 6-6, they need to win out and need a lot to go right for them to sneak back into the playoff picture.

The Steelers, meanwhile, are in a heated playoff race of their own for both a Wild Card berth and for the AFC North title (tied at 7-5 with Baltimore), so the stakes couldn’t be higher when these teams meet in western New York on Sunday afternoon.

Even though it felt like Buffalo’s playoff chances evaporated into the Bay Area fog last week, I think Rex Ryan’s squad finds a way against the Steelers this week.

Pittsburgh’s been much better of late, but they’ve beaten up on some weak teams and — to their credit, mind you — were able to capitalize on a mistake-prone Giants offense to get the win last week.

The Seahawks win at home — that’s just what they do, they’re 6-0 there — but to not even show up against a perennial NFL superpower as the Panthers did on Sunday was damning.

The Eagles, Bills and Falcons, all teams that range from mediocre to above average, roughly in that order, played the Seahawks tight at home, so no excuses or “let’s toss that one out, everyone loses in Seattle” rationale at play here for Carolina.

The Chargers are playing good football against good opponents and I’m honestly not sure if Carolina shows up on Sunday for this one after the shellacking they took out west.

The Eagles are a different beast at home versus on the road, but they’ve also been a very different team this second half of the season. Their defense has been far less impressive as has their franchise quarterback, leaving Eagles fans left wondering just a little bit about that ‘sure thing’ they thought they had under center.

I think the oddsmakers are being a little too kind to the Eagles here and are dissing the Redskins. This spread should be +3 at least, in which case I’d consider taking Philly as I think they keep it close, but ultimately Washington finds a way.

The Jets flat out quit on coach Todd Bowles in front of their fans and a national audience on Monday night. Now, I’m supposed to give them a serious look as they head across the country with a second-year starter who’s starting his second NFL game?

Arguably, aside from the Cowboys, no team in the NFL has been hotter than the Bucs of late. Not only has Tampa taken hold of the NFC South, but they’ve done it by beating some very good teams, notably the Seahawks and the Chiefs in back-to-back weeks.

So it stands to reason that they can handle a Saints team that’s staggering to the finish line after showing brief signs of life in the middle of the season.

Ezekiel Elliott hasn’t lost on the road in seven years. Let that sink in for a second, because it’s pretty damn impressive.

Now, forget about it, because that streak is going the way of the Cowboys’ 11-game win streak this weekend — it’s over.

Elliott and the Cowboys have had their way running the ball almost every week this year except one… when they faced the Giants in Week 1. That week, Big Blue limited Elliott to just 51 yards on 20 carries for 2.6 yards per carry.

Sure, you could argue that Elliott was a rookie, playing in his first career NFL game, and has found his groove since that opening day loss.

I counter with the fact that the Giants have been stout against the run all year and I think that’ll continue against the Cowboys on Sunday night.

Giants pull the upset.

Bryan Altman is, for some reason, an unabashed fan of the Rangers, Jets and Mets. If he absolutely had to pick a basketball team it would be the Knicks, but he’d gladly trade them for a championship for any of his other three teams.

Questions or comments? Feel free to follow Bryan onTwitter or send him an email.

The 2016 NFL regular season has been unpredictable, to say the least. Teams that usually lead the pack find themselves trailing it, just as some of the usual cellar-dwellers sit atop their divisions. Football fans can thank parity for what’s becoming an annual upheaval.

A few teams must approach their final four games as playoff games if they hope to continue their seasons into January. Enter the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills, both in the thick of the playoff race with little room for error. Their postseason hopes hinge on their matchup this Sunday.

CBS Sports’ lead sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, who will be covering the game in Buffalo with Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, discusses who and what to watch for in this important AFC battle.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Buffalo Bills – Dec. 11, 1:00 p.m. ET – CBS

CBS Local Sports: The Steelers came out and took down the streaking Giants, where did that dominating defense come from?

Tracy Wolfson: The Steelers are really coming on. I see the young players maturing. Players, such as Artie Burns, Sean Davis, Lawrence Timmons and Ryan Shazier, are healthy and playing great football. Sometimes, it just takes a little while for it all to come together. We saw some of it in the game against the Giants, and the Steelers know they can play even better and get into a rhythm even though there is a long way to go.

The Steelers do have a tough test coming up against the Bills’ offense, but what we saw in the Giants game is what the Steelers are working toward all the time.

CBS Local Sports: Up 24-9 on the Raiders in the middle of the third quarter, what happened to the Bills to cause that collapse?

Tracy Wolfson: The defense let up a little bit, it seemed. They allowed Oakland to march down the field, score a touchdown and get some momentum. At that point, the Bills’ offense became stagnant. First of all, these Oakland Raiders are extremely good. They find ways to win and take advantage of them when the door is opened. Buffalo allowed them to open that door, and Oakland simply took it and ran.

That loss had a lot to do with the defense letting up and the Bills just sitting back when they had a big lead.

CBS Local Sports: Has Le’Veon Bell cemented himself in place as the featured back for the Steelers?

Tracy Wolfson: No doubt. It would help if DeAngelo Williams was there because that one-two punch is always helpful for any team. Having another strong back also would allow Bell to stay healthy and fresh. Still, Bell is that featured back. Yes, he has had some fumbles in the last few games, but the Steelers don’t seem overly concerned with that.

CBS Local Sports: What must the Bills do to stop the multiple offensive weapons of the Steelers?

Tracy Wolfson: It’s something we’ve already talked about, stop Le’Veon Bell. The Bills need to stop the run. It starts there. That has to be their number one goal going into this game with Pittsburgh. It is the key right now. Once they do that, they can start pressuring Big Ben (Roethlisberger).

That isn’t always easy, though, but throwing him off of his game with the pass rush is extremely important. At that point, the Bills can focus on stopping guys like Antonio Brown, and that isn’t easy either. Stop the run, force the throw. Once they do that and get pressure on Ben, the Bills can focus on stopping the passing game. Just stop Le’Veon Bell first.

Danny Cox has been covering the NFL for the past decade and has been watching it for two more. From injury reports to playoff races, he follows every single team and longs for the months of July to February.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/cbs-sports-tracy-wolfson-talks-steelers-bills-leveon-bell/feed/0Amy Schumer Responds to Criticism Over Barbie Movie Castinghttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/amy-schumer-responds-to-criticism-over-barbie-movie-casting/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/amy-schumer-responds-to-criticism-over-barbie-movie-casting/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 14:21:44 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177673Comedy star Amy Schumer, who was nominated Tuesday for two Grammy Awards and recently became the first woman on Forbes’ annual list of highest-earning comedians, responded to internet trolls who attacked her possible casting in a Barbie movie.]]>Comedy star Amy Schumer, who was nominated Tuesday for two Grammy Awards and recently became the first woman on Forbes’ annual list of highest-earning comedians, responded to internet trolls who attacked her possible casting in a Barbie movie.

Schumer also made a call to action to encourage others to pity and sympathize with the trolls:

Thanks to everyone for the kind words and support and again my deepest sympathy goes out to the trolls who are in more pain than we will ever understand. I want to thank them for making it so evident that I am a great choice. It’s that kind of response that lets you know something’s wrong with our culture and we all need to work together to change it. Anyone who has ever been bullied or felt bad about yourself I am out there fighting for you, for us. And I want you to fight for yourself too! We need to laugh at the haters and sympathize with them. They can scream as loud as they want. We can’t hear them because we are getting shit done. I am proud to lead by example. I say if I’m beautiful, I say if I’m strong. You will not determine my story. I will.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/amy-schumer-responds-to-criticism-over-barbie-movie-casting/feed/0Students Protest White Supremacist at Texas A&Mhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/students-protest-white-supremacist-at-texas-am/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/students-protest-white-supremacist-at-texas-am/#respondThu, 08 Dec 2016 14:01:31 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177662Protesters from around the state of Texas made their way to Texas A&M University to take a stand against white nationalist Richard Spencer, who spoke on campus Tuesday night.
]]>Protesters from around the state of Texas made their way to Texas A&M University to take a stand against white nationalist Richard Spencer, who spoke on campus Tuesday night.

Spencer is the leader of the so-called “alt-right,” a name currently embraced by some white supremacists and white nationalists to refer to themselves and their ideology, which emphasizes preserving and protecting the white race in the United States.

Richard Spencer was interviewed by TV news host Roland Martin a few weeks ago in a video that went viral. He apparently hopes to reach as many people as possible because of social media. He was brought to campus by a man who attended A&M briefly and as any private individual would be allowed to do, he rented space on campus in a meeting room. Read More.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/08/students-protest-white-supremacist-at-texas-am/feed/0Feds: Woman Made Death Threats to Sandy Hook Victim’s Parenthttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/feds-woman-made-death-threats-to-sandy-hook-victims-parent/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/feds-woman-made-death-threats-to-sandy-hook-victims-parent/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 21:59:06 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177682A Florida woman has been charged with making death threats against the parent of a child who died in the Sandy Hook school...]]>

MIAMI (AP) — A Florida woman has been charged with making death threats against the parent of a child who died in the Sandy Hook school shooting massacre because she thought the attack was a hoax, federal authorities announced Wednesday.

Lucy Richards, 57, of Tampa was arrested Monday after a grand jury indictment on four felony counts of transmitting threats, the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement.

The threats were made in January 2016 — according to authorities — and included messages that said, “you gonna die, death is coming to you real soon,” and “LOOK BEHIND YOU IT IS DEATH.” Court documents added that another threat said, “there’s nothing you can do about it.”

The unidentified parent now lives in South Florida and the indictment said the threats were made in Palm Beach County.

Justice Department spokeswoman Sarah Schall wouldn’t say how the threats were delivered or provide more details, but the indictment indicates all four were sent on the same day.

The indictment comes nearly four years after the Dec. 14, 2012, shootings in which a gunman with a rifle killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The man also killed himself and his mother.

Department of Justice documents didn’t list an attorney for the woman.

Each felony charge of transmitting threats is punishable by up to five years in prison in event of a conviction.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/feds-woman-made-death-threats-to-sandy-hook-victims-parent/feed/0A Show, A Trial and Now the Rerun in ‘Cops’ Murder-for-Hirehttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/a-show-a-trial-and-now-the-rerun-in-cops-murder-for-hire/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/a-show-a-trial-and-now-the-rerun-in-cops-murder-for-hire/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 21:53:58 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177680Dalia Dippolito either wanted a hit man to kill her newlywed husband, or she's the victim of police trying to become famous on the "Cops" television show.]]>

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Dalia Dippolito either wanted a hit man to kill her newlywed husband, or she’s the victim of police trying to become famous on the “Cops” television show.

Prosecutor Craig Williams told jurors in a straightforward, 10-minute opening statement on Wednesday that her own words will show she was serious about having Michael Dippolito killed.

She gave $1,000 to an informant to pay for a gun, and then told a detective posing as a hit-man that she wanted her husband dead, Williams said. A police video shows her offering the apparent hit-man $7,000, and then raising the stakes to $10,000 if he timed the killing after her husband’s bank visit.

“What is great about this case is that it is 100 percent based on Ms. Dippolito’s words, actions and intent,” Williams said as the retrial began.

Williams laid out a simple timeline for the jurors, listing events from the alleged death plot’s inception to her meeting with the fake hit man to her leaving home the morning her husband was to be killed in a staged robbery. Just follow the evidence, he told the four-woman, two-man jury.

Defense attorney Brian Claypool presented an entirely different picture in his opening, declaring that the wrongdoing was committed by the Boynton Beach Police Department, which he says went “rogue” and built the case in hopes of finding fame on “Cops.”

Claypool said detectives never believed she was a threat to her husband, but knew the case would make fantastic television.

It all began when the informant, Mohammed Shihadeh, told detectives about Dippolito’s alleged plan just before the show’s production crew was to arrive in town.

“They wanted to script a good TV show,” Claypool said. They thought, “Holy mackerel, we are striking gold!”

“They never carried out a credible investigation in this case. The evidence will show this (perfunctory) investigation had zero — zero — integrity. None,” he said.

Claypool said everything the officers did was made for “Cops,” which eventually aired the case in a special episode. He urged the jury to view the case through the same lens. For example, detectives violated department rules by threatening Shihadeh with arrest if he didn’t stick with the investigation — all to preserve the case for TV, he said.

This is Dippolito’s second trial — her 2011 conviction and 20-year sentence were thrown out on appeal, for issues having to do with jury selection.

Prosecutors have alleged that Dippolito wanted her husband’s $250,000 in savings and their $225,000 town house. If convicted of solicitation to commit first-degree murder, she could be sentenced up to 20 years.

Dippolito has testified previously that she, her husband and Shihadeh were working on their own ill-conceived video project, which they planned to post online in hopes of landing them a reality TV show. She said she too wanted out, but that Shihadeh threatened her and her family if she didn’t meet the supposed hit man.

Claypool has said she may not testify this time, but jurors will see plenty of her — not only in the courtroom, but on TV.

Prosecutors showed jurors an undercover video, recorded inside Shihadeh’s car, showing Dippolito asking him to find her a hit man. Shihadeh expresses concern that if her husband is killed, she’ll be the suspect. She said she would cover her tracks.

“Nobody’s going to be able to point a finger at me,” she said.

Shihadeh and Michael Dippolito, who says he met his ex-wife when he hired her for sex, have denied there was a video project. Shihadeh also denied threatening her, but says Boynton Beach police did threaten him with arrest if he didn’t stick with their investigation. The police have denied that.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/a-show-a-trial-and-now-the-rerun-in-cops-murder-for-hire/feed/0Cuban Migrants: Castro’s Death, Arrest Fears Delayed Journeyhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/cuban-migrants-castros-death-arrest-fears-delayed-journey/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/cuban-migrants-castros-death-arrest-fears-delayed-journey/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 21:48:53 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177678A group of Cuban migrants who came ashore in the Florida Keys say Fidel Castro's death delayed their journey. The 10 men and three women landed on Big Pine...]]>

DORAL, Fla. (AP) — A group of Cuban migrants who came ashore in the Florida Keys say Fidel Castro’s death delayed their journey.

The 10 men and three women landed on Big Pine Key early Tuesday in a homemade boat. Federal authorities say they’re the first Cuban migrants to make it to U.S. soil since the longtime Cuban leader’s death Nov. 25.

One of the migrants, Lueje Mestre, told WFOR-TV (http://cbsloc.al/2gCHxqi ) that “police were everywhere” in Cuba after Castro died. Mestre said the group delayed leaving until early Monday to avoid arrest in Cuba.

Mestre and others in the group told the news station they didn’t want to discuss Castro’s death because they were afraid of causing trouble for relatives in Cuba.

Postrille Abad criticized the celebrations in South Florida that followed Castro’s death, calling them “ugly.”

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/cuban-migrants-castros-death-arrest-fears-delayed-journey/feed/0Florida Debt Drops Again After Jumping Up Last Yearhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/florida-debt-drops-again-after-jumping-up-last-year/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/florida-debt-drops-again-after-jumping-up-last-year/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 21:46:35 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177676Florida's amount of debt is dropping again after rising last year. That's according to an annual report presented...]]>

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s amount of debt is dropping again after rising last year.

That’s according to an annual report presented Tuesday to Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Cabinet.

The new report shows that Florida’s overall debt stood at $24.1 billion at the end of June. That’s a decrease of $1.6 billion over the previous fiscal year.

Florida’s debt had jumped up in 2015 due primarily to money borrowed to cover the expansion of Interstate 4 in central Florida. But the debt has gone down by $4.1 billion since 2010.

During his time as governor, Scott has also made it a priority to limit borrowing including issuing bonds to pay for school and college construction projects.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/florida-debt-drops-again-after-jumping-up-last-year/feed/0Kardashians are Blocking Blac Chyna From Trademarking Their Namehttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/kardashians-are-blocking-blac-chyna-from-trademarking-their-name/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/kardashians-are-blocking-blac-chyna-from-trademarking-their-name/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 19:52:00 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177656It may appear that Blac Chyna and the Kardashian sisters have buried the hatchet, but behind closed doors, its an all out war.]]>It may appear that Blac Chyna and the Kardashian sisters have buried the hatchet, but behind closed doors, its an all out war.

According to TMZ, Rob‘s sisters aren’t having it. Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney‘s companies are opposing her request, claiming that if Chyna is able to trademark the Kardashian name, they’ll “suffer damage, including irreparable injury to their reputation and goodwill.” They went on to say that Chyna knows exactly what she’s doing and that she’s “deliberately seeking to profit from the goodwill and popularity” of their family name.

So basically, Blac Chyna using the Kardashian name would ruin it? Now that’s just harsh. So much for being one big happy family. Read More

During tomorrow’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the first trailer of Marvel’s latest take on Peter Parker (starring Tom Holland) will debut to the world. Let’s just say that Spidey wings is a thing now. Tomorrow, Spider-Man comes home.

The Twitter teaser just shows us a small scene of Spider-Man flying with wings, a gift from Tony Stark. This is definitely the time for super heroes. The movie is going to hit theaters next summer but stay clear of any spoilers from here on out!

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/new-spider-man-homecoming-trailer-is-here/feed/0Study Finds Men More At Risk Of Overeating During Holidayshttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/study-men-overeating/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/study-men-overeating/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 19:46:23 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177645A study explains the mental side of why men try to out-eat friends and loved ones, even if it's subconscious. ]]>CBS Local – Eating the most at the holiday table is a classic Power-Dad move. When everyone else quits on their second plate, there’s always the one person to grab that third dish and it’s usually a man.

A study conducted by the Cornell Food and Brand Lab has found that men are at risk at overeating, simply because of their ego.

“Even if men aren’t thinking about it, eating more than a friend tends to be understood as a demonstration of virility and strength,” said co-author Kevin Kniffin, PhD, via News Medical.

This might be the quintessential study that explains men.

The experiment tested college aged men around the same weight to participate in a near-meaningless eating competition of which the only prize was a plastic medal. One was in front of spectators, one was not. The men ate about four times more than the average man, and 30% more with spectators than without.

They tested women, too, who ate less with spectators than without and described the whole ordeal as ‘slightly embarrassing.’ When asked to describe their experience, the men called it ‘challenging, cool and exhilarating.’

Thankfully, lead author of the study Brian Wansink, PhD, offers a solution.

“Focus on your friends and not the food,” says Wansink. “If you want to prove how macho you are, challenge your friend to a healthy arm wrestle instead of trying to out-eat him.”

Cheers for the tip, Doc.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/study-men-overeating/feed/0Marshawn Lynch Narrates the ‘Planet Earth II’ Iguana Chasehttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/marshawn-lynch-narrates-the-planet-earth-ii-iguana-chase/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/marshawn-lynch-narrates-the-planet-earth-ii-iguana-chase/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 19:45:21 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177642Two of the greatest runs in recent times have been mashed together.]]>Two of the greatest runs in recent times have been mashed together.

Planet Earth II‘s footage of an iguana escaping snakes has been dubbed over by former Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch, describing his ‘Beast Quake’ run in the 2011 NFC Wild Card game. This is the stuff the Internet is made for. Combining nature and sports puts everything in perspective.

This is one of those things you didn’t know you needed ’til you had it. The iguana’s equally impressive run and escape from the clutches of a posse of snakes happens to beautifully sync up with Lynch’s recollection of the play. Credit goes to genius Reddit user thecoachtaylor for combining these two great things for one wondrous piece of internet glory. Read More.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/marshawn-lynch-narrates-the-planet-earth-ii-iguana-chase/feed/0You Can Take A VR Tour Of A Replica Noah’s Arkhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/you-can-take-a-vr-tour-of-a-replica-noahs-ark/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/you-can-take-a-vr-tour-of-a-replica-noahs-ark/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 17:53:18 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177655Johan Huibers made a replica version of Noah's Ark, and now you can take a virtual reality tour of the vessel. ]]>It seems these days in Hollywood that all halfway successful movies are getting a sequel or a remake. Johan Huibers of the Netherlands seems to believe it’s not exclusive to movies, as he’s prepared for the second coming of the Bible story of Noah’s Ark.

Huiber built his own ark. Seriously, it was completed three years ago. And now you can take a VR tour of it, equip with a tour guide. The ark is 95 feet wide, 75 feet tall, has five decks and has the capacity for 5,000 people. (Or two of every animal.)

The beauty of the internet is that you can theoretically wherever you want to be in the world, and virtual reality is just the next wave of realism.

“We believe in sharing the Ark experience with people around the world,” Director and co-founder of FigTree VR Pearry Teo told Digital Trends. “Especially for those who may never have the chance to visit the Ark in real life. Traditional videos and pictures give merely a peek at what an amazing experience it is to be in the ark, and VR helps us accomplish that.”

Teo believes it’s a fantastic tool for learning.

“VR opens up new doors to learning,” he said, “making it easier if the experience is enriching, enjoyable, and safe which fosters higher level of engagement and understanding. And because VR is unique for each experience, it helps improve retention and recall making it suitable for different learning styles. This is where we believe we can help keep faith, values, and tradition alive through virtual reality.”

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/you-can-take-a-vr-tour-of-a-replica-noahs-ark/feed/0Florida Grocery Store Offers Beer And Wine While You Shophttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/florida-grocery-beer-shop/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/florida-grocery-beer-shop/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 14:49:41 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177621At Lucky's Market in Jacksonville, customers of age can enjoy an adult beverage as they go about their grocery shopping.]]>CBS Tampa (Jacksonville, FL) – Going to the grocery store is surely a chore, just something that needs to get done. Conversely, most of the time at least, going and grabbing drinks is a treat to be looked forward to. Well, what happens when a Florida grocery store tries to imbue a little of the latter with the former?

It’s true– at Lucky’s Market in Jacksonville, Florida, customers can purchase a pint of beer for $3 or a glass of wine for $2, throw it in their cart’s cup holder and go about their business. This doesn’t fundamentally change much about the grocery store experience, but it’s the little things in life, right?

To be fair, it’s not exactly the most practical improvement a grocery store could’ve made. This does nothing to solve inherent tribulations, but it could be convincing. Rather than comparing and weighing the benefits of saving $0.13 on milk rather than $0.15 on chicken, the adult beverages could swing fence sitting customers to their lawn.

“I saw on Facebook that you can drink while you shop,” said Micah Cagnassola, via First Coast News. “That’s very cool.”

If this works for Lucky’s, don’t be surprised to see it catching on elsewhere.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/florida-grocery-beer-shop/feed/0AP Source: USF’s Taggart to be Next Oregon Football Coachhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/ap-source-usfs-taggart-to-be-next-oregon-football-coach/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/ap-source-usfs-taggart-to-be-next-oregon-football-coach/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 14:30:22 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177637South Florida football coach Willie Taggart has informed the school that he is leaving to become the coach at Oregon, a person with direct knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press.]]>

BY RALPH D. RUSSO, AP College Football Writer

South Florida football coach Willie Taggart has informed the school that he is leaving to become the coach at Oregon, a person with direct knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither school was prepared to make an official announcement.

ESPN first reported Oregon had hired Taggart.

Taggart is in his fourth season at USF and has gone 18-7 the last two seasons, including 10-2 this year. He also spent three seasons as coach of Western Kentucky, his alma mater, and was an assistant coach at Stanford under Jim Harbaugh.

Oregon fired Mark Helfrich last week after the Ducks went 4-8. Taggart is the first coach Oregon has hired from outside the program since 1976.

Taggart was 16-20 at Western Kentucky, taking over when it was first transitioning to FBS. He went 7-5 in his last two seasons with the Hilltoppers and then moved to USF, not far from where he grew up in Bradenton, Florida.

Taggart will be the first black head football coach at Oregon.

It took two seasons and a change in offensive philosophy from more pro-style, West Coast schemes to a spread, but he now has the 25th-ranked Bulls rolling. They finished second in the American Athletic Conference East Division to Temple and will play South Carolina on Dec. 29 in the Birmingham Bowl.

This is the second straight day the AAC has lost one of its best coaches, and the third the conference has lost since Thanksgiving weekend. Temple’s Matt Rhule was hired by Baylor on Monday and Tom Herman left Houston for Texas on Nov. 26.

NEW YORK (AP) — Police in New York City say they’ve arrested a would-be mugger whose attempt to steal a Holocaust survivor’s purse was thwarted when the then-90-year-old woman fought back.

Forty-nine-year-old Lillian Maduro was arrested Monday and charged with robbery and assault in connection with the Sept. 27 incident in Greenwich Village.

Authorities say Maduro sneaked up behind Gina Zuckerman and tried to grab her bag from her utility cart. Zuckerman was knocked down during the assault, but wouldn’t let go of her bag.

Police say Maduro fled and remained on the loose until a DNA sample helped link her to the crime.

Zuckerman, who needed five stitches on her right arm, says her “inner lioness” came out when she was attacked.

It’s unclear if Maduro has an attorney who could comment.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/suspect-foiled-by-90-year-old-holocaust-survivor-arrested/feed/0Christmas Gifts for Underprivileged Kids Stolen from Churchhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/christmas-gifts-for-underprivileged-kids-stolen-from-church/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/christmas-gifts-for-underprivileged-kids-stolen-from-church/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 14:22:35 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177629Police in Connecticut are investigating the theft of dozens of toys collected for underprivileged children from a Watertown church.]]>

WATERTOWN, Conn. (AP) — Police in Connecticut are investigating the theft of dozens of toys collected for underprivileged children from a Watertown church.

Police tell The Republican-American (http://bit.ly/2hgAgAo ) of Waterbury that someone entered the locked First Congregational Church between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday and took about 36 wrapped gifts.

The gifts included toys, clothes and diapers.

Investigators say there were no signs of forced entry at the church, and last weekend was the deadline for gift collection, so the thief likely knew the items were there.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/christmas-gifts-for-underprivileged-kids-stolen-from-church/feed/0Deck the … Lookout! Woman Tries to Run Over Decorating Exhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/deck-the-lookout-woman-tries-to-run-over-decorating-ex/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/deck-the-lookout-woman-tries-to-run-over-decorating-ex/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 14:20:15 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177627State police say holiday music was blaring from a Pennsylvania woman's car as she tore up the yard of her ex-boyfriend's home, nearly running the man and his family over.]]>

CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. (AP) — State police say holiday music was blaring from a Pennsylvania woman’s car as she tore up the yard of her ex-boyfriend’s home, nearly running the man and his family over.

When the 2016 NFL regular season started, many expected the Denver Broncos, the defending Super Bowl champions, would contend for the AFC West crown. While they’re definitely still in the race at 8-4, the Broncos are third in the division, behind the Oakland Raiders (10-2) and Kansas City Chiefs (9-3).

This week’s Thursday Night Football matchup between the Raiders and Chiefs promises to be one of the season’s most important and most exciting. The AFC West lead is on the line, in a game with playoff seeding implications. A Raiders win would strengthen their division lead. A Chiefs win would give them the same record and the division lead, by virtue of their previous win over the Raiders in Week 6.

The Raiders had no trouble moving the ball against the Bills last week, even as they settled for three Janikowski field goals in the first half. Any sluggishness seemed to disappear after halftime. Raiders quarterback Derek Carr continued his masterful season, leading his team to 29 unanswered points on 260 yards passing for the day. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree and running backs Latavius Murray and Jalen Richard certainly helped.

The defense, not really a Raiders’ strength in recent years, seemed to come on later in the game too, tormenting the Bills’ speedy Tyrod Taylor, getting big hits and forcing turnovers. Defensive end Khalil Mack, AFC Defensive Player of the Month for November, registered a sack in his seventh straight game. The unit looks more and more like those legendary Raiders’ defenses of old as the season progresses.

Their division rival and opponent has been no less impressive this season. Andy Reid has made this Chiefs team his own, having won 19 of their last 22 regular season games. And in typical fashion, they still manage to fly under the radar, possibly because their wins come through defense and the run. Kansas City has won four straight against Oakland and leads the series 61-52-2

The Chiefs absolutely throttled the Raiders 26-10 earlier this season, handing Oakland one of its two losses. Running back Spencer Ware had his best game of the season with 131 yards and one touchdown. Jamaal Charles added another TD. And Alex Smith, generally seen as a game manager, put on a passing clinic, completing 19-of-22 attempts for 224 yards. The offense dominated the game in time of possession.

The Raiders didn’t help their cause in that Week 6 loss, stalling out on good drives. Derek Carr seemed off too, though the sloppy playing conditions likely hurt them more than they did the Chiefs. Carr finished that day with one interception and two fumbles (one lost), and was sacked twice. If not for Amari Cooper’s 129 receiving yards, the offense would have looked positively anemic.

The Chiefs know the keys to defeating the Raiders and have the tools to pull it off . But can they do it again? The Raiders have corrected their Week 6 mistakes and are riding a six-game winning streak. They will extend that mark, ending their recent losing streak to their division foe. Oakland won’t win easily, but they will win.

Prediction: Oakland Raiders: 35, Kansas City Chiefs: 30

Danny Cox has been covering the NFL for the past decade and has been watching it for two more. From injury reports to playoff races, he follows every single team and longs for the months of July to February.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/thursday-night-breakdown-raiders-chiefs-battle-for-afc-west-lead/feed/0100 Snakes, Lots of Rats, 2 Mini Pigs Seized from NY Homehttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/100-snakes-lots-of-rats-2-mini-pigs-seized-from-ny-home/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/100-snakes-lots-of-rats-2-mini-pigs-seized-from-ny-home/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 14:16:50 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177625Authorities have seized 100 snakes, lots of rats, two miniature pigs and a few dozen birds from a New York home where dozens of creatures were found dead.]]>

WILSON, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities have seized 100 snakes, lots of rats, two miniature pigs and a few dozen birds from a New York home where dozens of creatures were found dead.

Officials with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Niagara County say they obtained a warrant Tuesday after getting a tip that animals were living in deplorable conditions at a home in Wilson, north of Buffalo.

SPCA investigators say snakes, birds, rats and mini pigs were found inside the home, plus 15 cats kept in an enclosure in the back. The snakes were kept in small boxes.

Officials say dozens of other snakes and birds had died inside the home.

The homeowners face animal cruelty charges and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/100-snakes-lots-of-rats-2-mini-pigs-seized-from-ny-home/feed/0Trump is Time Magazine’s Person of the Yearhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/trump-is-time-magazines-person-of-the-year/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/07/trump-is-time-magazines-person-of-the-year/#respondWed, 07 Dec 2016 14:14:36 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177623Time magazine on Wednesday named President-elect Donald Trump its Person of the Year.]]>

By LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Time magazine on Wednesday named President-elect Donald Trump its Person of the Year.

“It’s a great honor. It means a lot,” Trump said in a telephone interview on NBC’s “Today” show.

Time editor Nancy Gibbs said on the program that Democrat Hillary Clinton was the No. 2 finalist. Gibbs said the choice of Trump this year was “straightforward.”

“When have we ever seen a single individual who has so defied expectations, broken the rules, violated norms, beaten not one but two political parties on the way to winning an election that he entered with 100-to-1 odds against him?” Gibbs said.

The Time cover reads, “Donald Trump: President of the Divided States of America” and the cover image features a photograph of the president-elect sitting in his private residence at Trump Tower.

In the NBC interview, Trump took issue with the “Divided States of America” description: “I didn’t divide ’em,” he said. “We’re going to put it back together and we’re going to have a country that’s very well-healed.”

Gibbs said Time gives the title to the person who has had the greatest influence on events “for better or worse.”

Trump went from fiery underdog in the race for the GOP presidential nomination to defeating Clinton in the Nov. 8 election. Trump won 306 electoral votes, easily enough to make him president when the electors meet on Dec. 19. Clinton won the popular vote.

Gibbs said Clinton “came closer than any woman ever has to winning the White House, and in the process revealed, I think, both the opportunities and the obstacles that women face in the public square.”

The No.3 finalized for the Person of the Year was “The Hackers,” which Gibbs said referred to “a new cyber security threat we saw this year of state-sponsored hackers looking to delegitimize an American election.” She said this was “something new this year and something very disturbing.”

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Knox Medical is the fourth organization to receive authorization to distribute low-THC medical marijuana in the state of Florida.

Florida’s Department of Health gave the Winter Garden-based organization authorization over the weekend. Knox Medical spokesman Adam Sharon says they expect to begin in-home delivery to patients by Friday.

Knox’s approval is the first since Amendment 2 was passed overwhelmingly by voters last month.

The amendment broadened access to pot beyond the limited therapeutic uses approved by the state legislature two years ago.

Department of Health spokeswoman Mara Gambineri says 208 physicians and 1,150 patients are currently in the state registry for ordering and using medical marijuana.

___

Corrects from Winter Park to Winter Garden in second paragraph.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/knox-medical-authorized-to-distribute-medical-pot-in-florida/feed/0US Appeals Court Favors Gay-Straight Club at Florida Schoolhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/us-appeals-court-favors-gay-straight-club-at-florida-school/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/us-appeals-court-favors-gay-straight-club-at-florida-school/#respondTue, 06 Dec 2016 21:47:05 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177616A federal appeals court has ruled that students at a Florida middle school have the right to form a gay-straight alliance club.]]>

LEESBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that students at a Florida middle school have the right to form a gay-straight alliance club.

The decision Tuesday by the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals came after the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida appealed a previous judge’s decision that school officials could deny the club recognition. The court’s reversal opinion found the club should have equal access to use school facilities as other extra-curricular clubs.

The case began in 2013 when students at Carver Middle School in Leesburg sued the Lake County School Board. It was the second lawsuit seeking to form the gay-straight alliance club aimed at providing a supportive, anti-bullying environment for gay and lesbian students.

The ACLU says the ruling strengthens the rights of middle school students, putting them on the same level as high school students.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/us-appeals-court-favors-gay-straight-club-at-florida-school/feed/0Obama Says His Strategy is ‘Breaking the Back’ of Extremistshttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/obama-says-his-strategy-is-breaking-the-back-of-extremists/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/obama-says-his-strategy-is-breaking-the-back-of-extremists/#respondTue, 06 Dec 2016 21:42:50 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177609President Barack Obama says the fight he's led against the Islamic State group has been relentless, sustainable and multilateral. He says it demonstrates a shift in how the U.S. takes on terrorists around the world.
]]>

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — President Barack Obama says the fight he’s led against the Islamic State group has been relentless, sustainable and multilateral. He says it demonstrates a shift in how the U.S. takes on terrorists around the world.

Obama is speaking at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, home to U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Central Command. It’s Obama’s last major national security speech before leaving office.

Obama is defending a counterterrorism strategy that has relied on U.S. special forces and local groups rather than large-scale U.S. ground forces. He says the U.S. built a “network of partners” to help fight extremists. Obama says the U.S. is “breaking the back” of IS.

Obama notes that he is poised to become the first president to serve two full terms at war.

The Boulder County coroner’s office was still investigating the cause of the death of the 42-year-old Salaam, who won the Heisman in 1994.

The body of the one-time running back was found Monday night at Eben G. Fine Park in Boulder. Police say foul play was not suspected.

Salaam led Colorado to one of its best seasons in 1994, when the Buffaloes went 11-1 beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl and finished No. 3 in the final polls.

He had a terrific rookie season with the Chicago Bears in 1995, rushing for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns.

But he only scored three times in the next two years and he played his last game in 1999 with the Cleveland Browns.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/heisman-winner-salaam-found-dead-in-colorado-park/feed/0Florida Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Killing of Law Professorhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/florida-woman-pleads-not-guilty-to-killing-of-law-professor/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/florida-woman-pleads-not-guilty-to-killing-of-law-professor/#respondTue, 06 Dec 2016 21:33:58 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177605A South Florida woman is pleading not guilty to first-degree murder charges over her alleged role in the shooting death of a Florida State University law professor.]]>TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A South Florida woman is pleading not guilty to first-degree murder charges over her alleged role in the shooting death of a Florida State University law professor.

Katherine Magbanua entered her plea during a court hearing on Tuesday. She was indicted last month for the 2014 killing of Daniel Markel who was gunned down in his Tallahassee garage.

Police have maintained that a bitter divorce sparked a murder-for-hire plot that resulted in Markel’s death. Detectives contend Magbanua had a romantic relationship with the brother of Wendi Adelson, Markel’s ex-wife, and lived with Sigfredo Garcia, one of the alleged gunmen. She had two children with him.

Two attorneys representing Magbanua did not want to discuss the case because Magbanua will be back in court on Friday for a bond request hearing.

Company officials said Tuesday in a statement that the goal of the restructuring is to eliminate costs and improve the company’s operations.

The job eliminations involve both salaried and hourly workers.

The company says it will offer severance packages and job-placement assistance to affected workers.

SeaWorld’s attendance and revenue have suffered in the face of a campaign by animal-rights activists.

Earlier this year, the company announced it was ending its orca-breeding program and stopping its traditional killer-whale shows.

The company has parks in Florida, Texas, California, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

]]>http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/seaworld-cutting-320-jobs-in-restructuring/feed/0Women Goes to City Council About the McRibhttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/women-goes-to-city-council-about-the-mcrib/
http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2016/12/06/women-goes-to-city-council-about-the-mcrib/#respondTue, 06 Dec 2016 20:45:46 +0000CBS Tampahttp://tampa.cbslocal.com/?p=177502While the McRib has its loyal fans, perhaps none is as die-hard as a woman from California who went before her local city council to ask them to intervene when local McDonald’s chains decided to not sell the the coveted menu item.]]>While the McRib has its loyal fans, perhaps none is as die-hard as a woman from California who went before her local city council to ask them to intervene when local McDonald’s chains decided to not sell the the coveted menu item.

If we all could be as passionate about something as much as this girl is! The woman explained her disappointment with McDonald’s because only 55 percent of the stores are selling the Mcrib this year and there were none in her town. She explained that her family orders 10 of the barbecue sandwiches every Thanksgiving and not having them is like not having snow on Christmas. Can you believe she really took the issue with her local city council? Read more